Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or an experienced traveler, here is some advice that’s always a helpful reminder: Try something – anything – new every day of your cruise. Granted, such a suggestion is easy to indulge because you’re likely to explore a different port city every day. However, I find that when it comes to food, we tend to stick to the first onboard dining experience we like, rather than explore our way through Norwegian’s diverse culinary selections.

And while you are sure to be satisfied with sumptuous selections from the main dining hall (where you can even select more than one entrée per meal from the menu), remember that with Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising, it’s so easy to eat when you want, wherever you want. And with so many choices and specialty dining options, it’s sometimes hard to decide which to choose. It’s a happy problem, however, and we can help steer you to some of Norwegian’s most popular dining options, in addition to the main dining room:

Breakfast

Norwegian's breakfast buffets are hearty and offer everything from cereal favorites for kids to fresh fruit and an extravagant omelet station for discerning adults. However, many guests head to the big buffet because they do not know that breakfast is also offered in other venues, like O'Sheehan's. Enjoy favorites such as French toast, omelets, and house-made corned beef hash.

If you want breakfast in bed, you can get room service for a flat fee (or for free if you're staying in The Haven or a Suite). Haven and Suites also have the option of dining in the private and complimentary Haven Restaurant.

For a light meal, or if you are craving a specialty coffee blend, you’ll find gourmet offerings at The Atrium for a small fee.

Lunch

For those days when you are at sea or choose to spend it on the ship, Norwegian’s specialty dining venues are open for both lunch and dinner. Of course, this is in addition to the savory offerings in the main dining hall. You could easily enjoy light sushi fare at Asian Fusion, or grilled hamburgers while dining poolside. But, my best advice? Keep it simple and save your onboard foodie adventures for dinner! Besides, it’s so much fun to sample a lunch that can be delivered to your pool chair!

Dinner

Reserve at least one meal at Ocean Blue, one of Norwegian’s more elegant restaurants. Here you’ll find the freshest ingredients and fine wines. It’s a perfect pairing of sophisticated taste with a health-minded menu. Or, if you prefer turf to surf, Cagney’s Steakhouse serves up choice cuts, from Angus to Ribeye. If you still have room for a late-night snack, indulge with exotic ice cream flavors at Dolce Gelato. Or head up to the Garden Buffet where you can get free soft serve ice cream.

In the spirit of global travel, Norwegian also offers several fine-dining restaurants celebrating world cuisine. Le Bistro for gourmet French cuisine, La Cucina for classic Italian fare, and Los Lobos for sizzling Mexican favorites are all fantastic specialty dining options. But with 27 specialty dining restaurants offered throughout Norwegian’s fleet, take this advice: Not only do you want to try something new every day, you’ll also want to book another Norwegian cruise so you’ll have more time to explore – and eat -- your way from bow to stern.